Trempealeau Wildlife Refuge (WI) - Two of the Dike Trails Hikes

On Kiep's Landing Trail

If you're looking for an incredible hike during the sloppy spring freeze/thaw cycle, you can't go wrong exploring the dike trails at the Trempealeau Wildlife Refuge between Trempealeau WI and Winona MN. I'm focusing in this post on two of the easternmost trails: Kiep's Landing Dike and Lower Diversion Dike.

A birder's paradise, these flat, accessible trails feature firm surfaces (they are old roads) and bring you right down to the water and beautiful views of Trempealeau Mountain and the MN and WI bluffs. During migration seasons, the floodplain forests are a riot of songbird action and the backwaters are full of waterfowl action. Eagles are found in abundance.

Both trailheads s are near each other less than a 1/2 mile from the Visitor's Center. There are parking lots by both trailheads. Each hike is an out-and-back hike.

Lower Division woods

Lower Diversion Dike begins with a walk among rolling woods, many of which are located on old sand dunes. During migration, the raucous calls of Canada geese, trumpeter and tundra swans and other waterfowl can be heard through the trees. After about a mile or so, you leave the woods and hike out onto the dike where you have great views of the backwaters of the Mississippi and Trempealeau Mountain next to Perrot Park in WI. The 2 mile (one way) hike ends at a gate near Trempealeau Mountain. There a a number of benches along the trail on this longer hike.

Trumpeter swans and Canada geese along Kiep's

Kiep's Landing Dike is where you can see birds and waterfowl at a closer range (but bring your binoculars for the best viewing). You start out from the boat landing, and head down the dike road. The first half-mile is through the woods and this is where you can hear and glimpse numerous birds in the water and woods. There is a bench halfway down this 1 mile trail. Continue on with the backwaters on each side of you and catch glimpses of eagles, beaver activity and spectacular bluff and Trempealeau Mountain views. 

THE HIKES

Beaver not only taking down tree but trimming it!

While each of these trails begs to be walked in any season, spring migration and firm footing as the snows melt make these two trails perfect to hike in February-May. Kiep's Landing is a 2.5 mile out-and-back hike. Lower Diversion Dive is a 4 mile out-and-back hike. The flat trails make them great for any age/condition and benches along the way let you rest or sit to contemplate or quietly observe the abundant wildlife. The floodplain forest, the Mississippi backwaters and stunning bluff views are awesome in any season though so keep these trails on your year-round list.

A view of Trempealeau Mountain

The Location

W228488 Refuge Road, Trempealeau WI

The Refuge lies just south of WI Hwy 35/54 between Centerville and the bridge to Winona. Turn south on West Prairie Rd and continue until you see the Trempealeau Wildlife sign where you turn right on Refuge Rd. Proceed along that road until you see a sign for a left turn to Kiep's Landing (or continue straight to the Visitor's Center and check out their information inside).

All images - Marge Loch-Wouters